City Cruises Long Beach: Dinner Cruise with Buffet and DJ

Planning a relaxing evening in Long Beach? A dinner cruise around the harbor might be just what you need. While we haven’t personally taken this cruise, reviews and descriptions paint a vivid picture of a lively, scenic experience combining good food, music, and some of the best views Southern California has to offer.

What appeals most? The chance to enjoy a delicious local buffet while soaking in the sparkling waters and coastal sights, along with dancing to a live DJ, makes this outing stand out. On the flip side, the $168 price might seem steep for some, especially as drinks beyond the included water, tea, and coffee are cash bar only.

This cruise is likely best suited for those wanting to combine sightseeing with a bit of relaxation, perhaps for a special occasion, or just a memorable night out with friends. If you enjoy good food, scenic views, and a lively atmosphere, this experience could be a highlight of your Long Beach visit.

Key Points

• Scenic harbor views and glimpses of yachts, mansions, and playful sea lions
• Buffet meal crafted from local, seasonal ingredients
• Live DJ entertainment and a full bar with creative cocktails (cash bar)
• Relaxing reserved tables with unlimited coffee, tea, and water
• Easy parking validation at Aquarium Parking structure
• Ideal for those seeking a relaxed, social evening with scenic visuals

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This dinner cruise offers a 2.5-hour voyage around Long Beach Harbor, combining scenic sightseeing with a lively social atmosphere. As you step aboard, you’ll find yourself settled at a reserved table—an advantage for those who prefer a comfortable, sit-down meal rather than standing or wandering. The meal itself is a buffet featuring local, seasonal ingredients, which suggests a focus on freshness and quality, elevating the typical cruise food experience.

Once you’re seated, you can savor your meal while taking in sweeping views of the coastline, yachts, and the distant shoreline parks. After dinner, many guests find themselves drawn outdoors, where the evening sky and shimmering lights of Long Beach create a magical backdrop. The sounds of barking sea lions nearby add a touch of authentic coastal charm.

The Highlights in Detail

Stunning Views and Coastal Atmosphere
One of the most praised aspects of this cruise is the spectacular scenery. As the boat glides along, you’ll see the sprawling mansions and towering yachts that dot the harbor’s skyline. The views of Southern California’s beaches, especially at sunset or night, are genuinely picture-perfect. Reviewers mention that the lights reflecting off the water and the quiet hum of the city in the distance create an almost cinematic setting.

Wildlife and Harbor Life
An unanticipated delight for many is the chance to listen to playful sea lions barking nearby. This adds an authentic touch to the experience, reminding you you’re on a working harbor, not just a tourist attraction.

Food and Beverage
The buffet is crafted from local ingredients, which suggests freshness and a regional flair. While specific menu items aren’t listed, the emphasis on seasonal ingredients hints at a varied, thoughtfully prepared meal. We loved the idea of having unlimited coffee, tea, and water included—perfect for those who want to stay refreshed without additional costs.

Music and Ambience
The live DJ provides a lively soundtrack, encouraging guests to dance and relax. The music playlist is likely to be upbeat and modern, making this cruise feel more like a party than a formal dinner. The full bar offers wine, beer, and creative cocktails—though drinks beyond the included non-alcoholic options are pay-as-you-go, so budget accordingly.

Practical Details for Planning

Boarding procedures start 30 minutes before departure, so arriving early is essential—especially because latecomers may miss the boat. The closest address for driving is 310 S. Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802, with parking validated at the nearby Aquarium Parking structure (costs $8). This makes it convenient for those who plan ahead—spend the day exploring nearby attractions like The Pike or Shoreline Village before or after your cruise.

Dress code is casual, but since you’ll be outdoors and on a boat, comfortable clothing and sensible shoes are recommended. Bring a camera to capture the sunset or city lights, and perhaps a light jacket if you’re sensitive to evening breezes.

Pricing at $168 per person reflects the combined value of a scenic cruise, quality buffet, live music, and the overall experience. While it’s not the cheapest option, reviews suggest the scenery and ambiance make it worthwhile, especially for special occasions or a memorable night out.

The Experience from the Reviews

Guests have highlighted the stunning harbor views as the most memorable aspect. One reviewer notes, “The views of the yachts and mansions were breathtaking,” adding that the seaside sounds and night sky created a peaceful yet lively setting. The buffet was described as “delicious,” with some praising the freshness and regional focus.

Others enjoyed the music and dancing, saying it added to the fun without feeling overwhelming. The full bar was appreciated, although some noted that drinks beyond the included water and tea required cash payment. A few comments mentioned the importance of arriving early to avoid missing the boat, which is good advice for newcomers.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise?

This experience is well-suited for couples, friends, or groups looking to enjoy an evening with scenic views and some entertainment. It’s a nice way to combine sightseeing with a relaxed, social atmosphere. Those celebrating a special occasion might find this a charming way to add a touch of elegance without being overly formal.

Since the cruise features a casual dress code, it’s accessible for most guests, but comfort remains key. If you’re into food, music, and beautiful coastal scenery, this cruise ticks many boxes.

The Sum Up

The City Cruises Long Beach dinner cruise offers a combination of scenic beauty, good food, and lively music, making it a compelling choice for an evening escape. The views of yachts, mansions, and the coastline are impressive enough to justify the price, especially for those seeking a relaxing yet engaging experience.

The cruise’s authentic touches, like the barking sea lions and local ingredients, give it a genuine coastal vibe. While drinks are additional, the included buffet and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages provide solid value for a two-and-a-half-hour outing.

This cruise is most ideal for those wanting to enjoy Long Beach’s waterfront from a different perspective, especially if you’re celebrating something special or simply wish to unwind with good company, good scenery, and good music.

Overall, for travelers eager to combine sightseeing with a fun, social evening, this dinner cruise proves to be a well-rounded choice—offering a memorable glimpse of Southern California’s harbor life without breaking the bank.

FAQ

Is parking included in the price?
Parking isn’t included, but you can get it validated at the Aquarium Parking structure, which costs about $8. It’s recommended to arrive early to secure a spot and avoid missing the boat.

What is the meeting point?
The closest address for the meeting point is 310 S. Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802. Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours, usually scheduled in the evening, making it perfect for a post-dinner outing.

Are drinks included?
Limited non-alcoholic drinks—coffee, tea, and water—are included. Any additional drinks like wine, beer, or cocktails are available at the cash bar.

What should I wear?
Casual attire is suitable. Since you’ll be outdoors and on a boat, comfortable clothes and shoes are advisable. Bring a light jacket if you tend to get chilly.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly specified, the casual and lively atmosphere suggests it could be enjoyable for older children or teenagers, especially if they like music and harbor views.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility to plan ahead without risk.

This detailed look at the City Cruises Long Beach dinner cruise hopefully helps you decide whether this scenic, lively harbor experience fits your travel plans. Enjoy the views, the food, and the coastal breeze—your evening on the water awaits.

You can check availability for your dates here: